IDA approves spending on training, engineering

CANTON  The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency approved proposals Friday aimed at improving the economy in several parts of the county.

It agreed to provide ACCO Brands with a sales and use tax exemption and with money for training toward its expansion of operations at its Ogdensburg distribution center.

ACCO is moving most of its manufacturing and distribution operations from Brampton, Ontario, to its distribution center and consolidating its manufacturing operations in the town of Oswegatchie to the distribution center as well.

As part of that, ACCO will upgrade the building and buy equipment, which will be exempt from sales tax.

The IDA also will provide the company with $30,000 to help train employees. The company has about 130 employees and likely will add 30 more as a result of the move.

Its an important project, IDA Executive Director Patrick J. Kelly said. They have a long history in Ogdensburg. Were pleased theyre continuing to see the benefit of being here.

The help of the IDA was valuable, ACCO Brands General Manager Bob Alley said.

The time, effort and resources they expended to help make this project a reality clearly shows their commitment to seeing business survive and grow in St. Lawrence County, he said. We appreciate the support, and also wish to acknowledge the involvement and support of the city of Ogdensburg.

The IDA also approved a lease agreement with Clarkson University for expanded use of an IDA-owned building in the Potsdam Commerce Park.

Since 2009, Clarkson has rented 1,000 square feet of the building which it is expanding to 2,200 square feet on a month-to-month basis for research projects and testing. The IDA is looking for a permanent tenant for the 12,000-square-foot building.